Junior Designer / Designer

Hachette Book Group; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in publishing seeks a creative Junior Designer to work closely with the Creative Director and Art Team. This role encompasses designing covers for a diverse range of titles, managing mechanicals, and ensuring the quality of design materials. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in print design and be proficient in Adobe software. This hybrid position allows for a blend of in-office and remote work, fostering a collaborative environment where your design skills can shine. Join a team committed to publishing impactful non-fiction works and make your mark in the literary world.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) Plan

Tuition Reimbursement

PTO (15 vacation days)

Discretionary Bonus Program

Qualifications

• 1-4 years of experience in publishing art department preferred.
• Portfolio demonstrating proficiency with typography and design required.

Responsibilities

• Design covers for paperback and hardcover titles as assigned.
• Route, track, and maintain frontlist and backlist mechanicals.

Skills

Adobe InDesign

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Acrobat Pro

Typography

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in art/design

Tools

Macintosh Operating Systems

Job description

Summary

The Basic Books Group is committed to the idea that ideas matter and aims to make the world smarter through publishing serious non-fiction works by expert authors. The group includes six imprints: Basic Books, Seal Press, PublicAffairs, Bold Type Books, Basic Venture, and Basic Liberty.

We are seeking a creative and ambitious Junior Designer or Designer to support our team, working closely with the Creative Director, Associate Art Director, and Designer. The role involves designing and producing approximately 130+ titles annually, including cover design for both paperback and hardcover editions.

This position is based in New York City, with a hybrid work model of 3 days in-office and 2 days remote.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Design covers for paperback and hardcover titles as assigned.
2. Create and typeset hardcover jacket and paperback cover mechanicals, including spine, flaps, back ads, and spine dies.
3. Manage, route, and update frontlist and backlist mechanicals through all production stages.
4. Upload retail cover assets into our proprietary database.
5. Research and license art, illustrations, photography, and fonts, handling invoices and contracts.
6. Convert cover designs into audio format.
7. Handle daily art department and office needs, such as maintaining digital files and updating databases.
8. Design, route, and deliver promotional materials like ads, catalogs, and galleys as needed.
9. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

1. Bachelor’s degree in art or design preferred.
2. 1-4 years of experience in a publishing art department is preferred; interest in non-fiction books is required.
3. Portfolio demonstrating proficiency in typography and design; print design experience is a plus.
4. Proficiency in Macintosh OS and Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat Pro).
5. Strong verbal and written communication skills.
6. Excellent organizational skills with the ability to multitask, prioritize, and manage time effectively.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter explaining how their skills and experience relate to this role.

Our Commitment to Diversity

We believe in including diverse voices in all aspects of our business to reflect the broad range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives that shape our society. We are an equal opportunity employer and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $52,000 to $62,000. Occasional overtime may be required, particularly in November and December. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, FSA, commuter benefits, tuition reimbursement, 401(k), bonuses, paid time off, and discounts on auto, home insurance, and legal services.